The State of Minnesota is adding twenty-one (21) new KYMCO 2010 Quannon 150 motorcycles to the fleet of bikes that serves its extensive rider education and safety program. The KYMCO vehicles were chosen after a competitive bidding process that evaluated quality, performance and price.
"The Quannon proved to have enough power to do well on the training range, and it is a very manageable bike for beginner riders," said Bill Shaffer, Administrator of the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Program. "What we look for is a very reliable bike that will start every time, even in cold weather. And it must stand up really well to novice riders. We need a motorcycle that can endure a fall-over and still be able to be put right back into service."
Shaffer also cited the Quannon’s rider-friendly seat height of 31 inches adding, "We really liked the price, too."
The Minnesota program operates 31 training ranges spread throughout the state, and more than 8,200 riders were trained in 2009 alone. Over 200 rider coaches teach both beginner and refresher courses every weekend from April through October, and the coaches serve the dual function of license-endorsement testers. The courses are based on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) curriculum.
The Quannon 150’s are being purchased from Starr Cycle in North Mankato, MN, a KYMCO authorized dealer and Southern Minnesota’s powersports leader. Starr’s owner, John Zendor, and his staff have been busy prepping the new bikes prior to delivery in time for the mid-April start of the safety course.
The Quannons will be added to the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Program’s fleet, which numbers about 330 machines. Starr Cycle maintains the entire fleet under a separate contract with the state.
Additional information on the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Program is available at motorcyclesafety.org.
